WOKING, U.K. – McLaren Racing’s return to the front of the Formula One grid may happen sooner than many thought.

With the team’s engine contract with Renault expiring at the end of next season, McLaren Racing and Mercedes-Benz announced that the McLaren F1 team will be powered by Mercedes from 2021 until at least the 2024 season, under a long-term agreement.

The agreement will bring McLaren and Mercedes together as customer team and power unit supplier for the first time since 2014.

“This agreement is an important step in our long-term plan to return to success in Formula One,” said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing. “Mercedes is the benchmark, both as a team and a power unit, so it is natural we would seek to secure a relationship with the company for the next phase of our journey. This announcement reflects the confidence of our shareholders and is an important message to our investors, employees, partners and fans that we are committed to returning McLaren to the front of the field.”

“Since the introduction of the hybrid regulations in 2014, it has been a cornerstone of our strategic approach to lead PU development with our works team and to deliver a benchmark product to our customers across the field,” added Andy Cowell, managing director for Mercedes-AMG. “We are delighted to expand our roster of partner teams and especially with an historic brand like McLaren. There is a shared history between the two organizations, and we look forward to achieving success together again in the future.”